TexasPop. 680,130Large cities
Is El Paso a Good Place to Live? El Paso, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
El Paso ranks #857 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 37 large cities and #47 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.9, #1 of 37) and low violent crime (289 per 100,000, #1 of 36), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #34 of 37) and low household income ($59,745, #33 of 37).
El Paso by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with El Paso's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in El Paso?
El Paso's cost of living index is 89.9, 10% below the US level of 100 and #205 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,073/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,475, 20% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | El Paso | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 89.9#205 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $238,475#218 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,519/mo#353 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $184,500#180 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,073/mo#292 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
El Paso housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. El Paso is in the El Paso, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is El Paso safe?
El Paso recorded 289 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 16% below Texas's 345. That ranks #545 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by El Paso Police Department. Property crime runs 1,341 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | El Paso | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 289#545 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 1,341#381 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in El Paso?
The median household in El Paso earns $59,745, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | El Paso | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $59,745#1051 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 18.4%#1054 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in El Paso?
The median resident of El Paso is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | El Paso | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.5 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 28.1%#870 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 60.8% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are El Paso's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for El Paso; its public schools have 16.7 students per teacher and spend $12,910 per pupil. 33.8% of adults are obese and 16.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | El Paso | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.7#705 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,910#841 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 33.8%#685 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 16.4%#1243 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 27.9%#1288 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 123,679 students are enrolled in El Paso's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in El Paso?
The average commute in El Paso is 23.4 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.9% of workers take transit and 8.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index El Paso scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.7°F and winters 48°F, with 8.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | El Paso | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 23.4 min#634 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 75.4% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.9% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.2% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 8.9% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.6 | 34.5 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 64.1 | 38.9 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 71.9 | 45.5 | 0.2 |
| Apr | 80 | 53.3 | 0.2 |
| May | 88.7 | 62.1 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 97.1 | 70.6 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 95.8 | 73 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 94 | 71.8 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 88.3 | 65.4 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 79.4 | 54 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 67 | 42 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 57.8 | 34.4 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at El Paso International Airport.
| Measure | El Paso | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 66.2°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 83.7°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 48°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 8.8 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at El Paso International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in El Paso?
El Paso County's air had a median air quality index of 70, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 63 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts El Paso County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | El Paso | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 70#1050 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 63#1063 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#109 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for El Paso County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, El Paso County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0027% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 22% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does El Paso compare with similar-size cities?
El Paso is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #17 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 680,130.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does El Paso compare with the rest of Texas?
El Paso ranks #47 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 25% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | … #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of El Paso among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is El Paso's score calculated?
El Paso scores 52.3 out of 100, #857 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in El Paso. Similar-size median 50.4.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by El Paso's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
78.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in El Paso. Similar-size median 52.4.
44.4 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in El Paso's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
42.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
El Paso's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
82.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in El Paso. Similar-size median 43.4.
32.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in El Paso. Similar-size median 40.4.
37.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in El Paso. Similar-size median 56.6.
44.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across El Paso's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
46.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: El Paso's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories El Paso has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in El Paso
Is El Paso, TX a good place to live?
El Paso ranks #857 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 37 large cities and #47 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.9, #1 of 37) and low violent crime (289 per 100,000, #1 of 36), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #34 of 37) and low household income ($59,745, #33 of 37).
What is the cost of living in El Paso?
El Paso's cost of living index is 89.9, 10% below the US level of 100 and #205 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,073/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,475, 20% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in El Paso?
El Paso recorded 289 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 16% below Texas's 345. That ranks #545 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by El Paso Police Department. Property crime runs 1,341 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in El Paso?
The median household in El Paso earns $59,745, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in El Paso?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,073/mo (Census), #292 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,519/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in El Paso?
The typical home value in El Paso is $238,475, up 2.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $184,500.
How are the public schools in El Paso?
There is no city graduation rate for El Paso; its public schools have 16.7 students per teacher and spend $12,910 per pupil.
How long is the commute in El Paso?
The average commute is 23.4 minutes, #634 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in El Paso?
El Paso averages 66.2°F over the year, 83.7°F in summer and 48°F in winter, with 8.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is El Paso walkable?
El Paso scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is El Paso at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts El Paso County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in El Paso?
El Paso County's air had a median air quality index of 70, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 63 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from pm10.
Who lives in El Paso?
El Paso has 680,130 residents. The median resident of El Paso is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does El Paso compare with the rest of Texas?
El Paso ranks #47 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 25% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to El Paso?
The tracked cities in other states closest to El Paso's population of 680,130 are Denver, CO (#722 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), Nashville, TN (#976 overall), Boston, MA (#339 overall), and Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall). El Paso is #857.